Method and apparatus for follicular extraction and transplantation

ABSTRACT

An improved method and apparatus for extraction of follicular units from a donor area, for the purpose of transplantation into balding areas of the scalp. A first method utilizes a dermal biopsy punch in combination with a suction device for extraction purposes. The suction allows for distribution of forces over a greater area of the follicular unit than previously attained. This mitigates “crush force” upon the follicular unit, thus helping keep the unit intact. Moreover, because this method does not require repeatedly putting down the punch and picking up the forceps, the extraction process is sped up significantly. A second method utilizes a perforating device that is designed to weaken the structural integrity of the area in question, which greatly facilitates extraction of the follicular unit. The perforation device comprises a plurality of “spike” members which surround the follicular unit and are inserted into the skin at a small, previously-determined depth. Because this takes place while the follicular unit is being partially sucked into the punch, the holding tissue is decreased, allowing the follicular unit to become free. Because the device utilizes suction as a means of extraction rather than collection of follicular units, the distal end of the device comprises a guard which functions to prevent the extracted follicular units from being vacuumed further therein. Importantly, because the spikes are relatively thin, and because only a small quantity of spikes are needed, the device is unlikely to damage the follicular units. In total, the present invention provides a safe means to extract significant quantities of follicular units in a relatively short period of time, while maintaining the integrity of such follicular units.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is an improved method and apparatus forextraction of follicular units from a donor area, for the purpose oftransplantation into balding areas of the scalp.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Numerous innovations for hair transplant procedures have beenprovided in the prior art that are described as follows. Even thoughthese innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposesto which they address, they differ from the present invention ashereinafter contrasted. The following is a summary of those prior artpatents most relevant to the invention at hand, as well a descriptionoutlining the differences between the features of the present inventionand those of the prior art.

[0005] 1. U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,279, invented by Rassman, entitled “HairImplantation Device”

[0006] The patent to Rassman describes a system for transplanting hairgrafts from a donor region of a patient's scalp to a recipient region ofthe patient's scalp. The system includes harvesting N (N>21) strips ofskin containing living hair follicles from the donor region of thepatient's scalp, the N strips of skin being harvested simultaneously,and cutting the N strips of skin into hair grafts, the N strips of skinbeing cut simultaneously. The system also includes loading the hairgrafts sequentially, bottom down, into a removable cartridge connectedto an instrument for implanting the hair grafts into the recipientregion of the patient's scalp, the hair grafts being loaded so as tocreate an air seal between the hair grafts and the cartridge, andimplanting the hair grafts. The implanting includes implanting the hairgrafts into the recipient region of the patient's scalp, one at a time,using the instrument, by feeding a hair graft to a predetermined feedposition in the instrument via air suction created by an air sealbetween the hair graft and the cartridge, making an incision at a pointin the recipient region of the patient's scalp at which the hair graftis to be implanted using a cutting device on the instrument, and slidingthe hair graft into the incision using an implanting member in theinstrument.

[0007] Other relevant prior patents to Rassman include U.S. Pat. No.5,782,851, entitled “Hair Transplantation System,” U.S. Pat. No.5,817,120, entitled “Hair Implanting Instrument,” and U.S. Pat. No.5,584,841, entitled “Instrument For Implanting Hair Grafts”.

[0008] 2. U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,273, invented by Arnold, entitled“Apparatus For Producing Hair Transplantation Donor Strips And Methods”

[0009] The Arnold invention provides methods and apparatus for producinghair transplantation donor strips for use in hair transplantationprocedures. According to one exemplary method, a surgical instrument isprovided having at least two planar blades, with each blade having asharpened edge, and with the blades being substantially parallel to eachother. The blades are translated along and through an area of the scalphaving hair to form at least two parallel incisions in the scalp. Theorientation of the blades relative to the hair is adjusted such that theblades are generally aligned at all times with the direction of hairgrowth for the hair between the blades when the surgeon is making theincisions. A graft of skin having hair is then removed from between theincisions formed by the blades. At least a portion of the graft of skinhaving at least one hair is then placed into another area of the scalp.

[0010] 3. U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,512, invented by Bridges, entitled “HairFollicle Harvesting Device”

[0011] The patent to Bridges describes a hair follicle harvesting devicewhich is characterized by a pencil-like harvesting tube fitted at thedistal end with a needle of selected bore size for insertion over one ormore hairs and hair follicles in a scalp flap and puncturing the scalpflap. The harvesting tube is connected at the proximal end to a sourceof saline solution and accommodates a flow of saline solution through aventuri or tube constriction by operation of a pump to remove theencircled and loosened hair follicles as micrografts, minigrafts andhair plugs from the scalp flap. The hair follicles are caused to flowthrough the needle and into the saline solution stream by reducedpressure responsive to flow of the saline solution through the venturior tube constriction located near the base of the needle in theharvesting tube. The saline stream containing the hair follicles is thendirected from the harvesting tube through a screen in a disposablefollicle harvesting apparatus or a screen in a follicle collectionvessel, which retains the hair follicles on the screen and returns thesaline solution to the pump for continued circulation through theharvesting tube. The screen is periodically removed from the harvestingapparatus or follicle collection vessel to collect the harvested hairfollicles, which are then used in conventional hair transplantprocedures.

[0012] 4. U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,811, invented by Goldberg, entitled “MicroAnd Mini Hair Transplant Device”

[0013] The patent to Goldberg describes a device for automating hairtransplant procedures. The device includes a part for puncturing thescalp, a part for containing the hair grafts to be transplanted, a partfor ejecting the hair grafts from the containing means, a part foractutating the ejecting means and a part for delivering the hair graftsinto the transplant site.

[0014] 5. U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,297, invented by Boudjema, entitled“Device For Transplanting Small Diameter Hair Grafts”

[0015] The patent to Boudjema describes a device for transplanting smalldiameter hair grafts using a hand-held cutting instrument having a bodyholding the tool, a rotary cylindrical tool and a drive assembly capableof driving the tool in rotation with respect to the body. The tool has ahollow end for cutting a graft. The cylindrical tool is a hollow needlewith an axial through bore of the same diameter as the hollow cuttingend to which it forms an extension. The device extracts the graft bysucking it up through the axial bore of the needle.

[0016] 6. U.S. Pat. No. 5,693,064, invented by Arnold, entitled “DermalPunch For Hair Transplantation And Methods”

[0017] In one aspect, the Arnold invention provides a method fortransplanting hair. According to the method, an instrument is providedhaving a concentric cylindrical shaft having a proximal end, a distalend, and an axis extending therebetween A blade is on the distal end ofthe shaft normal to the axis of the shaft, and an escape port isprovided in the wall of the shaft near the distal end. The instrument isinserted into the skin to a preselected depth where the skin is belowthe escape port to form a cylindrical incision. The instrument is thenremoved from the skin. The step of inserting the instrument into theskin is repeated, with any accumulated skin in the shaft being forcedthrough the escape port. In this way, the shaft does not become cloggedwith tissue after repeated use. A graft of skin having at least one hairis then placed into at least one of the cylindrical incisions.

[0018] 7. U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,807, invented by Boudjema, entitled“Device For Implanting Small-Diameter Capillary Grafts”

[0019] The patent to Boudjema describes a device for implanting asmall-diameter capillary graft into the scalp, comprising a hollowneedle pierced by a throughbore having a smaller diameter than the graftand suitable for gripping, by its end, one end of the said graft throughthe needle. The needle is mounted so as to slide in a cylindrical sheathbetween a first position, in which the needle is retracted inside thesheath, and a second position for gripping and for inserting the graftinto the scalp, in which the needle projects beyond the end of thesheath. The needle is actuated between the first and second positions,preferably by application and release of a vacuum to an enclosure whichis defined by a cylindrical tube and which is closed on a first side bythe sheath and on a second side by a plug fastened to a distal end ofthe needle. A communication port is formed in the needle communicatingwith the enclosure, so as to allow vacuum in the enclosure to facilitategripping of the capillary graft by vacuum, and an orifice is provided ina wall of the cylindrical tube so as to allow a surgeon rapidly to applyand release vacuum in the enclosure.

[0020] 8. U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,683, invented by Shiao, entitled“Mini-Graft Hair Implanting Device For Implanting Multiple Clumps OfHair Follicles At One Time”

[0021] The patent to Shiao describes a mini-graft hair implanting devicefor implanting multiple clumps of hair follicles at one time includes abarrel, a plunger and a depth control unit. The barrel is formed as ahollow cylinder with an open top and a bottom wall that has a cluster ofhollow needles which are attached thereto so as to extend downwardlytherefrom. Each of the hollow needles is adapted to receive a clump ofhair follicles therein and has two open ends, a distal one of which istapered so as to form a pointed tip. The plunger extends slidably intothe barrel and has a bottom end that is formed with a set of downwardlyextending first push rods and at least one downwardly extending secondpush rod. The first push rods are aligned with and extend into thehollow needles. The depth control unit is attached to and extendsdownwardly from the bottom wall of the barrel. The depth control unitincludes at least one tube which is shorter than the hollow needles andwhich has two open ends, a distal one of which is blunt. Each secondpush rod is aligned with and extends into a corresponding tube.

[0022] 9. U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,369, invented by Kim, entitled “HairTransplanter”

[0023] The Kim invention discloses a hair transplanter. A needle to beinserted into a scalp has a pointed end portion to reduce damage of thescalp, and a guide plate in adhered to an end portion of a sliding unitreciprocating in the longitudinal direction of the needle outside theneedle, in order to prevent hair roots from being separated at the timeof the separation of the needle. As a result, the hair roots insertedinto a needle insertion groove are not damaged and are naturally settledin the scalp without modification, thereby stably performing the hairtransplantation.

[0024] 10. U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,572, invented by Markman, entitled“Method, Apparatus And Kit For Performing Hair Grafts”

[0025] In the patent to Markman, a device and method are set forth forperforming hair grafts which includes a housing, plunger with a needle,and a carriage containing an inventory of hair grafts to be placed. Theplunger is placed at an extended position where the needle extends fromthe catheter and the needle and catheter are inserted into the tissue.The plunger and needle are withdrawn and the carriage is indexed toposition a graft. The plunger is moved to urge the graft from thecarriage through the catheter into the tissue for transplantation.

[0026] The above-listed prior art largely relates to methods known inthe art, such as the “strip method” (first-above-listed patent toRassman, second above-listed patent to Arnold) as well as cylindricalcutting tools for extraction, and various hollow needles used in theextraction process. In addition, various prior art relates to theimplantation of follicular units, as distinguished from device designedto facilitate extraction.

[0027] In contrast to all of the above, the present invention providestwo innovations to improve follicular unit extraction. The firstutilizes a dermal biopsy punch and suction device which allows fordistribution of forces over a greater area of the follicular unit tomitigate crush force upon the unit, and keep the same intact.

[0028] The second innovation utilizes a perforator with a plurality ofthin spikes inserted into the skin to surround the follicular unit andweaken the structural integrity of the area. Because the follicular unitis being partially sucked into the punch, the holding tissue isdecreased, allowing the follicular unit to become free. This preventsdamage to the follicular units safely extracts high quantities offollicular units in a short period of time, while maintaining theintegrity of such follicular units.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0029] As noted, the present invention is an improved method andapparatus for extraction of follicular units from a donor area, for thepurpose of transplantation into balding areas of the scalp.

[0030] Recent methods of extraction include the usage of a 1 mm dermalbiopsy punch (placed over the follicular unit and pushed through theskin) in combination with a fine forceps (for subsequent “plucking” ofthe follicular unit). Such often leads to portions of the follicularunit being shaved off by the punch, injuring or killing the unit.Attempts to solve this problem include the sliding of the punch onlypart way down, and pulling the partially freed follicular unit with fineforceps until the remaining supporting dermis gives way. This, however,leads to crushing or tearing of the follicular unit, as well as lengthydelays between each extraction.

[0031] The present method and apparatus seek to circumvent theabove-described problems. The first method utilizes thepreviously-existing dermal biopsy punch in combination with a suctiondevice for extraction purposes. The suction allows for distribution offorces over a greater area of the follicular unit than previouslyattained. This mitigates the “crush force” upon the follicular unit,thus helping keep the unit intact. Moreover, because this method doesnot require repeatedly putting down the punch and picking up theforceps, the extraction process is sped up significantly.

[0032] The second innovation utilizes a perforating device that isdesigned to weaken the structural integrity of the area in question,which greatly facilitates extraction of the follicular unit. Theperforation device comprises a plurality of “spike” members whichsurround the follicular unit and are inserted into the skin at a small,previously-determined depth. Because this takes place while thefollicular unit is being partially sucked into the punch, the holdingtissue is decreased, allowing the follicular unit to become free.Because the device utilizes suction as a means of extraction rather thancollection of follicular units, the distal end of the device comprises aguard which functions to prevent the extracted follicular units frombeing vacuumed further therein.

[0033] Importantly, because the spikes are relatively thin, and becauseonly a small quantity of spikes are needed, the device is unlikely todamage the follicular units. In addition, because the perforator weakensthe surrounding tissue, the device allows patients with strong dermalconnective tissue to be candidates for the procedure. In total, thepresent invention provides a safe means to extract significantquantities of follicular units in a relatively short period of time,while maintaining the integrity of such follicular units.

[0034] In light of the foregoing, it is generally an object of thepresent invention to provide an effective means to extract follicularunits from a donor area and transplant same into balding areas of thescalp

[0035] It is also an object of the invention to provide an extractionmeans that maintains the integrity of the follicular unit.

[0036] It is a specific object of the present invention to provide aneffective extraction means that does not rely upon the usage of forceps,which often crush or tear the follicular unit.

[0037] It is also an object of the invention to utilize a perforatingdevice with a plurality of spike members, designed to weaken thestructural integrity of the area in question, greatly facilitatingextraction of the follicular unit,

[0038] It is another object of the present invention to provide theperforator with a small quantity of relatively thin spikes, which areunlikely to damage the follicular units in question.

[0039] It is a further object of the invention to uniquely utilizesuction as a means of extraction, as distinguished from a means ofcollection of follicular units.

[0040] It is a further object of the present invention to provide adevice with a follicular unit guard which functions to prevent extractedfollicular units from being vacuumed further within the device.

[0041] It is also an object of the present invention to allow patientswith strong dermal connective tissue to be candidates for the extractionand placement procedure.

[0042] It is an additional object of the invention to provide anextraction means that is significantly faster than those of the priorart, increasing the efficiency of the procedure and decreasing the costof the procedure for the patient.

[0043] Finally, it is also an object of the present invention to providea safe means to extract significant quantities of follicular units in arelatively short period of time.

[0044] The novel features which are considered characteristic for theinvention are set forth in the claims. The invention itself, both as toits construction and its method of operation, together with additionalobjects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from thefollowing description of the embodiments when read and understood inconnection with accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045]FIG. 1 depicts a prior art method and apparatus, for the purposesof discussion, illustrating a previously-existing punch approaching afollicular unit.

[0046]FIG. 2 depicts a prior art method and apparatus, for the purposesof discussion, illustrating a follicular unit broken off through usageof the previously-existing punch mechanism.

[0047]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention, includingpunch device, perforating mechanism thereon, handle, and components ofsuction means.

[0048]FIG. 4 is a three-quarter cut-away view of the present invention,illustrating the punch device, perforator, and follicular unit guardmechanism.

[0049]FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention, illustrating theperforator in extended position above a follicular unit, and showing anoutline of an incision created by the punch with perforator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0050] As noted herein, recent methods of extraction include the usageof a 1 mm dermal biopsy punch placed over the follicular unit and pushedthrough the skin. Such is in combination with a fine forceps, used forsubsequent “plucking” of the follicular unit. However, this procedureoften leads to portions of the follicular unit being shaved off by thepunch, with the remainder of the follicular unit attached to connectivetissue. Thus, the fine forceps of the known procedure result in theinjuring or killing the entire follicular unit, in turn defeating thepurpose of extraction for transplantation.

[0051] Attempts to solve this problem include the sliding of the punchonly part way down, and pulling the partially freed follicular unit withfine forceps until the remaining supporting dermis gives way. This,however, often leads to crushing or tearing of the follicular unit, aswell as lengthy delays between each extraction.

[0052] To illustrate the typical problem of currently used procedures,FIG. 1 is a view of prior art, shown for the purpose of discussion,showing a previously-existing punch (16) approaching a follicular unit(26), a large portion of which is below the skin like (28) and withinthe scalp area (30). In addition, FIG. 2 is a subsequent view of acommon prior art method, illustrating the follicular unit (26) brokenoff through usage of the prior method.

[0053] It should also be noted that because follicular units are notalways parallel to the punch along the vertical axis, additional tearingand breaking problems often occur. For the purposes of example, if theportion of the follicular unit below the skin line in FIG. 1 were to berotated to a degree approaching perpendicular to the skin line, thebiopsy punch, when be pushed downwardly, would shear the follicularunit, injuring or killing the same.

[0054] Thus, based on the foregoing, a significant need exists for anapparatus and method for follicular unit extraction that dispenses withthe need for fine forceps, and which is less likely to cause follicularunit damage than the standard biopsy punch.

[0055] The present invention, through usage of items such as suction anda perforator, accomplishes the above objectives. FIG. 3 is a perspectiveview of a preferred mode of the present invention, including its punchdevice, perforating mechanism, handle, and suction means components.

[0056] Specifically, the apparatus for follicular extraction (10)comprises a generally elongated handle (12) to be engaged by the user.The handle (12) comprises a tapering portion (14) at the front or distalend. A small, generally cylindrical biopsy punch (16) is removablyattached to the tapering portion of the handle (14). As noted, the punchmay be a standard 1 mm biopsy punch to accomplish the purposes of theinvention.

[0057] A perforator (18) is affixed to the punch (16). The perforatorcomprises an annular portion (18A), with an open end to allow the sameto fit around the punch (16). The perforator further comprises apreviously-determined quantity of spike members (18B), which extendalong the vertical axis of the punch, generally parallel thereto. Theperforator also comprises an extended member or handle portion (18C),which is of a shape that corresponds to and abuts the tapering portionof the handle (14) and lower portion of the handle itself (12). The endof the extended member (18C) extends outwardly from the handle to allowthe user to engage and same and slide the perforator down the punch,around which it is wrapped, to enter the scalp of the patient. Thisprovides a series of small apertures or “perforation” thereon.

[0058] The butt end of the handle (12) is inserted within a component ofthe suction means (20), such as via a tube fitting that wraps around thehandle. It is to be understood that any appropriate suction meanscomponents, such as tubes, vacuum devices, and foot pedals that areknown in the art may be utilized in conjunction with the method andapparatus of the present invention. The departure of the presentinvention from the prior art lies in the effective usage of theperforator device (18), as well as through the usage of suction forextraction and not collection purposes.

[0059] To illustrate the above in greater detail, FIG. 4 is athree-quarter cut-away view of the front end of the present invention,showing the punch (16), perforator (18), and guard mechanisms (24). Ofparticular importance is the guard member (24), which functions tocontain successfully extracted follicular units. As noted, because thepresent method utilizes suction to facilitate extraction, rather than asa means of collection, the guard member (24) is needed to prevent thefollicular units from entering aperture (22) into the suction device.

[0060] Lastly, FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention,illustrating the perforator (18) in extended position above a follicularunit (26). The FIGURE also shows an outline of an incision created belowthe skin line (28) by the punch (16) with perforator (18), to a depthwithin the scalp area (30) that is similar to that of the follicularunit (26).

[0061] As shown, the spikes (18B) of the perforator (18) are gentlypushed below the skin line (30), creating a plurality of small,spaced-apart apertures, or a perforation. Importantly, because thespikes (18B) are relatively thin, the incidence of piercing or damagingthe follicular unit (26) is greatly mitigated. It is to be understoodthat the particular configuration of spikes shown is for the purposes ofexample only, and that the center of the three spikes shown would fallbefore or behind the follicular unit in a three-dimensionalillustration, thereby causing no damage to same. Moreover, the spikes(18B) may be of a variety of diameter sizes consistent with theseobjectives, and varying quantities of spikes may be utilized, dependingupon particular need.

[0062] Because the perforator weakens the structural integrity of theconnective tissue, the follicular unit may be extracted considerablyeasier than through the usage of previous methods. As such, when suctionis applied to the area in question, the follicular unit gives way, andis stopped by the guard member. Importantly, this method of extractionkeeps the follicular unit intact for subsequent transplantation.Furthermore, the unique method of the present invention allows patientswith naturally string dermal tissue to become candidates for thetransplantation procedure, as the usage of perforation and suctiongreatly facilitate extraction and mitigate the incidence of damagedfollicular units.

[0063] Recent experimentation with the aforementioned method has yieldedpositive results, and it is believed that the method of the presentinvention may be conveniently adopted by all relevant medicalprofessionals. Because the components of the apparatus of the presentinvention are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, it is believed thatusage of the apparatus may be widespread in a relatively short period oftime. Finally, because one utilizing this method need not constantlyplace the punch down and pick up forceps, the present method isconsiderably faster than the methods of the prior art, much to thebenefit of both medical professionals and patients.

[0064] With regards to all descriptions and graphics, while theinvention has been illustrated and described as embodied, it is notintended to be limited to the details shown, since it will be understoodthat various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in theforms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can bemade by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from thespirit of the invention.

[0065] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal thegist of the present invention that others can readily adapt it forvarious applications without omitting features that, from the standpointof prior art, constitute essential characteristics of the generic orspecific aspects of this invention. What is claimed as new and desiredto be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for extraction of follicular unitscomprising: a generally elongated handle (12), which comprises atapering portion (14) at a end thereof, a generally cylindrical biopsypunch (16) removably attached to the tapering portion of the handle(14), a perforator (18) affixed to the punch (16), comprising an annularportion (18A), which comprises an open end to allow the same to fitaround the punch (16). the perforator further comprising a plurality ofspike members (18B), which extend along the vertical axis of the punch,generally parallel thereto, the perforator also comprising an extendedmember (18C), which is of a shape corresponding to the tapering portionof the handle (14) and lower portion of the handle (12) and abuttingsame the end of the extended member (18C) extending outwardly from thehandle to allow a user to engage and same and slide the perforator downthe punch, to engage a patient's scalp, providing a series of smallapertures resulting in a perforation thereon, a butt end of the handle(12) engage a component of a suction means (20), which functions tovacuum extracted follicular unites towards guard member (24), whichcontains follicular units and prevents same from entering an aperture(22) into the handle.
 2. The apparatus as described in claim 1, whereinthe punch is a 1 mm dermal biopsy punch.
 3. The apparatus as describedin claim 1, wherein the perforator comprises at least four spikesthereon.
 4. The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the punch isinserted to approximately one half the depth of the follicular unit. 5.The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the handle is constructedof a polymeric material.
 6. The apparatus as described in claim 1,wherein the punch is constructed of a metallic material.
 7. A method ofextracting follicular units comprising the steps of: utilizing anapparatus with a generally elongated handle (12), which comprises atapering portion (14) at a end thereof, partially inserting a generallycylindrical biopsy punch (16), which is removably attached to thetapering portion of the handle (14), around a target follicular unit,inserting a perforator (18) around the target follicular unit, theperforator affixed to the punch (16), comprising an annular portion(18A), which comprises an open end to allow the same to fit around thepunch (16), the perforator further comprising a plurality of spikemembers (18B), which extend along the vertical axis of the punch,generally parallel thereto, the perforator also comprising an extendedmember (18C), which is of a shape corresponding to the tapering portionof the handle (14) and lower portion of the handle (12) and abuttingsame, the end of the extended member (18C) extending outwardly from thehandle to allow a user to engage and same and slide the perforator downthe punch, to engage a patient's scalp, providing a series of smallapertures resulting in a perforation thereon, utilizing a suction meansaffixed to a butt end of the handle (12), which functions to vacuumextracted follicular units towards a guard member (24), which containsfollicular units and prevents same from entering an aperture (22) intothe handle.
 8. The method as described in claim 7, utilizing a 1 mmdermal biopsy punch.
 9. The method as described in claim 7, utilizing aperforator which comprises at least four spikes thereon.
 10. The methodas described in claim 7, wherein the punch is inserted to approximatelyone half the depth of the follicular unit.
 11. The method as describedin claim 7, utilizing a handle constructed of a polymeric material. 12.The method as described in claim 7, utilizing a punch constructed of ametallic material.
 13. A method of extracting follicular unitscomprising the steps of: utilizing an apparatus with a generallyelongated handle (12), which comprises a tapering portion (14) at a endthereof, partially inserting a generally cylindrical biopsy punch (16),which is removably attached to the tapering portion of the handle (14),around a target follicular unit, utilizing a suction means affixed to abutt end of the handle (12), which functions to vacuum extractedfollicular units towards a guard member (24), which contains follicularunits and prevents same from entering an aperture (22) into the handle.